Empowering the next wave of founders: Welcome to EasyA x Polkadot University
Unlock a structured path to start building on Polkadot with EasyA x Polkadot University.
By Dom Kwok•November 1, 2024
For aspiring blockchain developers, the journey from a Web3 novice to an expert developer can be daunting without a structured learning pathway. Recognizing the need for more educational paths within the Polkadot community, EasyA has created the EasyA x Polkadot University. This initiative combines traditional educational elements with Polkadot’s cutting-edge blockchain technology, creating a clear route from foundational concepts to launching independent projects.
Building on the success of our EasyA x Polkadot hackathon series—which has brought together over 1,000 developers in-person at Harvard and London events while reaching 100,000+ learners globally through the EasyA app—the EasyA x Polkadot University marks the next phase in expanding developer awareness and fostering growth within the Polkadot ecosystem. We’re taking blockchain education to the next level with a decentralized, community-driven learning environment designed to cultivate the next generation of builders within the Polkadot ecosystem.
Why a Polkadot-dedicated university?
Since the world’s first widely recognized modern university—the University of Bologna—opened its doors in 1088, the university has been a cornerstone of higher education. While traditional institutions often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies, their core principles of structured learning and community-based education remain powerful. By reimagining these principles for blockchain technology, we're creating something unique: an educational experience that combines academic rigor with the agility to evolve alongside the industry.
During visits to my alma mater, The Wharton School, I've engaged with current students who express frustration over studying the same subjects taught a decade ago. This feedback highlights a disconnect between traditional education and the exponential pace of blockchain and tech innovation. While universities are beginning to offer blockchain courses, comprehensive programs that prepare developers for real-world challenges remain rare. We're here to change that.
A new approach to developer education
Our numerous in-person Polkadot hackathons in the UK and US revealed something crucial: while blockchain interest remains high, developers aren’t fully aware of Polkadot’s unique capabilities. They need more than online resources and documentation. Developers need a clear, structured path forward, and here's how we're providing it.
Structured learning that makes sense
We've crafted a curriculum that builds systematically—from foundational concepts to advanced applications. No more piecing together random tutorials or wondering what to learn next. Whether you're writing your first smart contract or building complex blockchain applications, you'll know exactly where you stand and where you're heading, preparing anyone to enter the ecosystem as a skilled developer or founder.
Building real-world skills for real-world impact
While theory is important, execution is essential. The curriculum at EasyA x Polkadot University is shaped by industry experts and seasoned Polkadot developers who know exactly what it takes to build successful blockchain projects. Every concept that students learn connects directly to practical skills that can be applied immediately.
A collaborative community of innovators
The power of traditional universities extends beyond the classroom and into their communities, where collaboration and mutual support elevate the learning experience. We’re recreating that collaborative spirit within a decentralized context, bringing together passionate developers, experienced mentors, and industry pioneers. Through hands-on workshops, group projects, and global events, students will forge connections and build relationships that last well beyond the learning journey.
What makes EasyA x Polkadot University different?
The EasyA x Polkadot University approach offers a distinctive alternative to traditional online courses or coding bootcamps by offering:
- Truly decentralized learning: Access world-class blockchain education from anywhere without sacrificing quality or community.
- Learn by doing: Workshops, hackathons, and real-world projects emphasize hands-on learning, preparing students for real-life challenges.
- Evolving curriculum: Courses that update as quickly as blockchain technology itself, ensuring that the content is always relevant and practical.
- Connected community: Learners join a global network of peers, mentors, and professionals, supporting opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career development.
Shaping the future of blockchain education
Drawing from our combined experiences—Phil at Cambridge University and myself at The Wharton School—we understand what drives effective education. But we also know when it’s time to innovate. This insight inspired the creation of EasyA x Polkadot University, adapting successful educational principles to the rapidly evolving field of blockchain technology.
We're building an educational experience that grows with the technology it teaches, shaped by the Polkadot community it serves. Whether you're exploring blockchain for the first time or ready to push the boundaries of what's possible, you'll find your place here.
For those interested in learning more, details on programs, enrollment, and upcoming events are available. We're excited to welcome our first cohort of students and can't wait to see the incredible projects and ideas that will emerge.
About Dom Kwok
Dom Kwok is a Co-Founder of EasyA, the world’s number 1 Web3 learning app with a community of over 1 million developers across the US and Europe. EasyA alumni have been funded by a16z, Founders Fund, YC and other top VCs. Projects launched by EasyA alumni are valued at over $2.5 billion.
Dom graduated Cum Laude from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Joseph Wharton Scholar and Benjamin Franklin Scholar. Prior to EasyA, Dom worked at The Blackstone Group and was one of the first employees at CloudKitchens, launched by Uber Founder Travis Kalanick.
Background
The EasyA x Polkadot University, developed by EasyA with support from a Web3 Foundation Decentralized Futures grant, aims to expand accessibility into Polkadot’s ecosystem through a structured program. Distinct from the Polkadot Blockchain Academy—which trains developers and non-developers on foundational blockchain knowledge and provides a deeper exploration into Polkadot and the Polkadot SDK—the EasyA x Polkadot University is tailored towards finding founders at universities and educating them on how to build projects on Polkadot.
